Out-of-pocket Costs for Commercially-insured Patients in the Years Following Bariatric Surgery: Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Socioeconomic disparities and bariatric surgery outcomes: A qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Disparities in socioeconomic status (SES) have been associated with less weight loss after bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to identify socioeconomic barriers to weight loss after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We performed semi-structured interviews with bariatric surgery patients and providers from April-November 2020. Participants were asked to describe their post-operative experiences regarding dietary habits, physical activity, and follow-up care. Interview data were coded using Directed Content Analysis based on domains in Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and Torain's Surgical Disparities Model.

RESULTS

24 patients (median of 4.1 years post-operatively; mean age 50.6 ± 10.7 years; 12 bypass and 12 sleeve; 83% female) and 21 providers (6 bariatric surgeons, 5 registered dietitians, 4 health psychologists, and 6 primary care providers) were interviewed. Barriers to weight loss included: 1) challenging employment situations; 2) limited income; 3) unreliable transportation; 4) unsafe/inconvenient neighborhoods; and 5) limited health literacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions targeting socioeconomic barriers to weight loss are needed to support patients, particularly those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.